My schedule doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon, but I'm resolved to post something at-least monthly to capture what I've learned as I continue in this work that I hope is making a positive impact on student learning in the U.S.

In the past couple of months I've also read a few books including The Checklist Manifesto by AtulGawande and Who - The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street. (I recommend both of these books.) One common theme worth calling out from these books is that "getting things right" doesn't happen by accident or even by skill. Getting things right consistently requires a well defined but simplified process, not a simplistic process, but a process that focuses effort and attention on what is most essential. And in each case a key to successful implementation of a quality improvement process is measurement. Using a scorecard, a checklist, or some other instrument of measurement, is critical to knowing whether or not the process is being implemented with fidelity.

This theme carries over into the work that I've had the privilege to contribute, equipping education agencies with the tools, processes, and information to "get things right". ...Now if only I can define a process and measurement system to ensure that I consistently post to this blog.

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About Me

Jim facilitates the CEDS initiative of U.S. Dept. of Education IES/NCES as Senior Education Analyst at QIP. An interactive learning technologies pioneer since 1983, he has provided data-driven process improvement solutions to state education agencies and school districts throughout the United States. He was Executive VP at the Center for Educational Leadership and Technology, Director and founder of Project BODYWORKS, which developed an interactive video experience for hospitalized adolescents. With Merrimack Education Center he built the Superintendent’s Workstation. As founder/director of Sound Image, Inc. and chief technologist at PixelDance Communications, Inc. he developed interactive media for clients including Fidelity Investments and Adobe. He has presented at National School Boards Association, IES MIS, iNACOL, and other national/international conferences. [Read Jim's book Approaching 100%]
Goodell received a B.S. in Management from WPI and MA teaching credentials. He is a father of 3, husband of 1, follower of Christ, and worships the Creator of the universe.